In the field of dentistry, there are a number of problems you can develop that do not immediately cause pain or have easily visible symptoms. In fact, many oral health issues don’t display symptoms until they’ve become fairly serious. To keep these types of problems from developing into an emergency, be sure to visit your dentist regularly.
Why Aren’t There Symptoms if I Have a Cavity or Gum Disease?
Minor dental problems rarely have noticeable symptoms. You can have a fairly serious cavity and not be aware there’s a problem, especially if it’s in a back tooth that you can’t see. When cavities are small, they’re easier to treat, but they are also much harder to see. A cavity won’t actually cause any discomfort until it becomes severe enough to create major sensitivity. By then, it will be more difficult to treat, and might have even spread into the tooth pulp, requiring a root canal rather than a simple filling.
Similarly, gum disease tends not to produce discomfort or visible symptoms until it has progressed far enough that the gums have drawn back, leaving the upper portion of the roots exposed and causing severe sensitivity. However, earlier stages of gum disease, such as gingivitis, can cause your gums to bleed when you brush your teeth. If you see any indication of bleeding when you brush, see your dentist to have your gums evaluated.
The Importance of Regular Dental Visits
Because problems like decay and gum disease often don’t have noticeable symptoms, it’s important for you to see your dentist regularly. Your dentist will see things you can’t, either employing a visual examination, X-rays, or detailed digital photography. Regular X-rays can easily find even the smallest cavities, which are not visible to the naked eye and which are too small to create symptoms.
Your dentist also evaluates your gums during your regular visits. Measuring the depth of the pockets in the gum tissue—that is, the space between the gums and your teeth—tells the dentist whether you might have inflammation or swelling in your gums. If the pockets are too deep, you’ll receive instructions for treatment that will heal your gums and prevent eventual tooth loss.
To schedule your next checkup, call our team at Kemp and Borovac Dentistry today!